What you need to know about the election

By Carrie Taylor

on November 4, 2013 3:41 PM

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You have to be registered

Make sure you are registered. In Texas, you have to register with the Secretary of State 30 days prior to an election. So if you have not completed this step yet either online, via mail or at a government office, you will not be able to vote this year.

Make sure you are registered. In Texas, you have to register with the Secretary of State 30 days prior to an election. So if you have not completed this step yet either online, via mail or at a government

Make sure you are registered. In Texas, you have to register with... Photo-5404803.73401 - Houston Chronicle

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Know where to vote

Once you are registered, your voter registration ID will have the number of your precinct, which is a geographical area in your county that groups together citizens for voting purposes. Each precinct will have various locations for you to vote.

Once you are registered, your voter registration ID will have the number of your precinct, which is a geographical area in your county that groups together citizens for voting purposes. Each precinct will have ... more

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Staff

Once you are registered, your voter registration ID will have the... Photo-5404804.73401 - Houston Chronicle

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Make it in time

Voting hours for all polling locations on Election Day are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., so plan accordingly.

Voting hours for all polling locations on Election Day are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., so plan accordingly.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

Voting hours for all polling locations on Election Day are 7 a.m.... Photo-5405389.73401 - Houston Chronicle

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You will need ID

The state of Texas accepts the following forms of identification for voters:

Texas driver's license

Texas Election Identification Certificate (issued by DPS)

Texas personal identification card (issued by DPS)

Texas concealed handgun license (issued by DPS)

United States military identification card containing the person's signature

United States citizen certificate containing the person's signature

United States passport

Voters are required to present an approved form of identification to vote in all Texas elections.

The state of Texas accepts the following forms of identification... Photo-5390696.73401 - Houston Chronicle

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There is a new voter ID law

If you do not have one of the previously listed forms of government-issued identification cards, or your ID is expired, you are still eligible to cast a provisional ballot.

Provisional voting requires the voter to fill out a form explaining why they are eligible to vote and why they do not have an ID of any sort to present. Provisional voters' ballots are kept separate from regular ballots, and the voter's registration will be reviewed after the election by a provisional voting ballot board. The vote is only counted in the voter is determined to be a registered voter.

If you do not have one of the previously listed forms of... Photo-5394177.73401 - Houston Chronicle

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Have you moved?

If you have moved counties since you last registered to vote, even if it was a neighboring county in the Houston area, you are still required to register again with your current county.

If you have moved counties since you last registered to vote, even if it was a neighboring county in the Houston area, you are still required to register again with your current county.

If you have moved counties since you last registered to vote, even... Photo-5390492.73401 - Houston Chronicle

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Know the issues

You can review the ballot here before you get to the polls to get a feel for what you are being asked to weigh in on.

You can review the ballot here before you get to the polls to get a feel for what you are being asked to weigh in on.

You can review the ballot here before you get to the polls to get... Photo-5369331.73401 - Houston Chronicle

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Know your local candidates

Check our election page for details on local elections, such as the city of Houston mayoral race between incumbent Annise Parker and Ben Hall. Check your specific county website for more local information.

Check our election page for details on local elections, such as the city of Houston mayoral race between incumbent Annise Parker and Ben Hall. Check your specific county website for more local information.